Description
The Whitespotted Surgeonfish is a striking Indo-Pacific tang recognized by its dark gray to nearly black body, bold white spots, and contrasting yellow coloration around the fins and tail. Its streamlined body and scalpel-like caudal spine are characteristic of surgeonfish. It is an active grazer that spends much of its time swimming over rockwork and feeding on algae. This species is best suited to spacious, mature marine aquariums with extensive swimming room and abundant natural algae growth.
Lighting
Moderate to high lighting
Strong reef lighting helps support natural algae growth for grazing.
Placement (Aquarium Zone)
Middle to upper reef
Provide extensive open swimming space combined with mature live rock and surfaces for grazing. Secure rockwork is recommended because of its active swimming behavior.
Temperature
24–27°C (75–81°F)
Salinity
1.024–1.026 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–10 dKH
Flow
Moderate to strong, turbulent flow
Good circulation is beneficial for this active swimmer and helps maintain highly oxygenated water. Provide areas of varied flow around the rockwork.
Diet
Primarily Herbivorous
Supplemental foods:
Nori / dried seaweed
Marine algae sheets
Spirulina-based foods
Algae pellets
Herbivore frozen foods
Mysis shrimp and other meaty foods as occasional supplements
Offer frequent access to marine algae and allow natural algae to grow on suitable rock surfaces. A varied diet helps maintain good coloration and body condition.
Adult Size (up to)
Approximately 25–26 cm (10 inches)
Care Level
Advanced
